Issues of Our Time


Mission: Pick one issue/event from the following list. If there is something you want to do that is not on the list talk to me and we will see if we can work something out.

Task: Create a digital story informing your audience about:
  1. the problem.
  2. how this problem affects the United States or the world.
  3. discuss the role that US government has played in your issue (legislation, court rulings, etc)
  4. possible solutions or solutions to solve/reduce/eliminate/reverse the problem.
  5. Create an account on YouTube. Use your Gaggle email account. Change your file to a wmv and upload to YouTube. You have to tag your video with the following tags: "valts" "social issue" (Please try this on your own before you ask for help. This is how you will learn!

Process:
1) Find approximately 25-30 pictures that are related to your topic. (You need to save these images in a special file that is dedicated to this project. You will also need to create a NEW document in Google Docs so you can create a short description of the image along with the website from which it came from.) "Share" this document with me (bstill.neva@gaggle.net) You MUST cite the URL of each image as well as your information.

2) Once you have all of your pictures you need to write up a script based on the information you found using the information you found on your topic. You will not be allowed back on the computer until this script is complete.

3) Once your script is complete you need to upload your photos into Photostory then create your voice recording. (Yes, you have to do a voice recording for each picture. No, you cannot substitute text.)

These are the bare basics. I am trying to not give you too many directions because I don't want to hamper your style. As long as you have 25-30 images and you adequately discuss the topics listed above you will do just fine. Remember to take your time and do well on this project. It is a substantial part of your grade. I will provide you with a rubric so you know exactly what is expected.



Tutorials:
  1. David Jakes on PhotoStory 3

Topics: Put your name by the topic that you want to research by March 19. If you do not pick by then I will pick a topic for you!
One person per topic per class.

Resources:

Topics:
  • Abortion (Amber S) (Roman P)

  • AIDS (Heather G. 12-2)

  • Alternative Energy

  • Censorship

  • CWD (Ross K)

  • Biological Weapons (Josh B)

  • Chemical Weapons (Arthur S. 12-2)

  • Creationism vs. Evolution (David L)

  • Death Row (Shane T. 12-2)

  • Divorce

  • Economy (Phillip R)

  • Educational system

  • Environmentalism

  • Ethnic Cleansing (Darfur) (Sheila R 2-4)

  • Global Warming (Katrina O)

  • Gun Control (Aaron P. 10-12) (Justin C. 12-2) (Dustin N)

  • Homosexuality (Nici M. 12-2) (Chelsea N. 2-4)

  • Human Rights (Xzhilary T. 2-4)

  • Immigration

  • War in Iraq (Yesenia T. 12-2)

  • Water rights (Aquifer)

  • Population growth

  • Poverty (Amanda S)

  • Stem Cell Research (Alicia E. 12-2)

  • Teen pregnancy (Victoria G. 12-2) (Erica D)

  • Technology in our lives

  • Sex Offenders (Kassi M. 12-2)

  • Juvenile Offenders (Lori S. 2-4)

  • Gangs (Zach Y. 2-4) (Amanda M)